Rights group warns of ‘massacre’ in Iran as death toll said to rise to at least 192

At least 192 protesters have been killed in Iran’s anti-regime protests, a rights group says, as warnings grow that authorities are committing a “massacre” to quell the demonstrations.

“Since the start of the protests, Iran Human Rights has confirmed the killing of at least 192 protesters,” the Norway-based organization says, warning that the deaths “may be even more extensive than we currently imagine.”

The US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran says it has received “eyewitness accounts and credible reports indicating that hundreds of protesters have been killed across Iran during the current internet shutdown.”

“A massacre is unfolding in Iran. The world must act now to prevent further loss of life,” it says.

It says hospitals are “overwhelmed,” blood supplies are running low and that many protesters had been shot in the eyes in a deliberate tactic.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said earlier that it had confirmed the deaths of 116 people in connection with the protests, including 37 members of the security forces or other officials.